The Huskies face another bottom tier B1G offense. Without further ado, the UCLA Bruins.
By the Numbers
(National ranking in parenthesis)
Points per game: 19.4 (#114)
Red zone scoring attempts per game: 2.8 (#110)
Red zone scoring % (FGs and TDs): 96.4% (#4)
Plays per game: 63.4 (#120)
Seconds per play: 27.6 (#99)
Rushing yards per game: 152. 1 (#64)
Passing yards per game: 181.3 (#112)
QB sacked percentage: 7.14% (#95)
Key Players
QB Nico Iamaleava is currently day-to-day with an injury so it’s unclear whether he or backup QB Luke Duncan – who started last week against Ohio State – will be playing against the Huskies this weekend. If Iamaleava does indeed start, you are probably somewhat aware of who he is. He was a big time 5-star QB recruit who committed to Tennessee and became a two year starter. He left during the off season, apparently due to disagreements over his NIL value, only to end up at UCLA, probably making less than he would have had he stayed in Knoxville. If it’s Duncan this weekend, he was 16/23 for 154 yards and a touchdown at Ohio State. He’s a big, strong armed quarterback with an easy delivery who can make all the throws. He’s a 6-6 true pocket passer who just needs to find consistency.
If Iamaleava starts, he has high level traits that the NFL loves. Like Duncan, he also stands at 6-6 and does a great job scanning the field and has elite arm talent with a super quick release. He can really zip the ball anywhere, and has plus mobility and wiggle for his size. Partially due to UCLA’s offensive overall struggles this season, his stats don’t wow anyone: completing 63.7% of his passes for 1,659 yards (6.4 YPA), 12 TDs and 7 interceptions. But, he’s also rushed for 474 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season and his legs were a big part of UCLA’s three game win streak against Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland.
At running back, they utilize the trio of Jaivian Thomas, Jalen Berger, and Anthony Woods. Jaivian Thomas has the most carries on the team (81), but his 294 rushing yards average to less than four yards per carry. Berger stands at 6-1 and 215 pounds, and is the physical between-the-tackles option. Woods is player UCLA fans are excited about as he’s about the only player in the backfield that’s shown any explosive ability. His eight missed tackles forced lead the team, as does his total yards after contact (176).
WR Kwazi Gilmer leads the team in receptions (37), yards (432) and touchdowns (3). He also leads the team in drops (5). He’s a very athletic receiver with excellent speed who has the highest average depth of target on the team at 12.6 yards. He’s also caught 9/13 contested catches this season. WR Mikey Mathews is second in yards and third in receptions and will mostly line up in the slot. WR Rico Flores doesn’t have huge numbers this year – 25 catches for 271 yards, but is extremely talented with great quickness for his 6-2 frame.
The Scheme
The switch from OC Tino Sunseri to Jerry Nueheisal has been mostly positive. UCLA fans would tell you before the switch, that the offense was overly complex and had too many moving parts. Things have been simplified quite a bit and they have gotten the running backs much more involved. To combat Ohio State’s elite defense, they leaned heavy into the screen game, which didn’t work and yielded 10 points. Overall this offense wants to be balanced, though recently it’s leaned more towards the run game.
When this offense is at it’s best, it’s moving the ball on the ground with the running backs, and utilizing Iamaleava’s legs on designed runs and some well timed scrambles. The pass game works well when the ball comes out quickly and Iamaleava can use his big arm.
Final Thoughts
While our very own Demond Williams has the distinct honor of being the B1G passer who has seen the most defensive pressures (136!), Iamaleava is right behind him with a whopping 129. He’s also second to Demond Williams in QB scrambles with 41. Like Williams, that can sometimes be an advantage when a play breaks down and he just has to be baller. On the other hand, this offense is just not that great. They lack consistent playmakers and their two best offensive performances – 42 against Penn State and 38 against Michigan State – came against teams in complete free fall.
This offense is better than Wisconsin’s, mostly due to stability and some talent at quarterback. You should expect the Washington defense to do a solid job and likely not give up more than 21 or 24 points. Despite UCLA not getting into the red zone very much, they basically always score when they are there. Washington cannot give UCLA easy scoring opportunities through Demond Williams turnovers (not uncommon for him on the road) or bad special teams plays. Anyone to take that bet?